Women Startup Program

Big dreams deserve
a stronger start.

For founders ready to build bigger—with mentorship that scales

The Women Startup Program by NSRCEL, powered by Kotak BizLabs, is designed to support and accelerate women entrepreneurs across stages of their startup journey.

This equity-free program enables them to move from idea to scale by providing structured guidance, access to networks, and a robust support ecosystem. Whether you are validating an idea or growing an existing venture, the program equips you with the tools, insights, and connections needed to build sustainably and scale with confidence.

With tailored mentorship, expert interventions, and ecosystem access, founders are supported to make informed decisions, strengthen their business models, and unlock growth opportunities.

Because when the right support meets entrepreneurial ambition, ideas translate into meaningful impact.

What’s in store?

Structured programmes offering hands-on exposure to entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem.

Support to validate ideas, define value propositions, understand customers, and build an MVP.

Mentorship from experienced industry leaders.

Investor readiness with pitch guidance and refinement.

Platforms to showcase and amplify your startup.

Peer learning and founder communities.

Bootcamps and workshops to solve real startup challenges.

Access to equity free grant opportunities.

Who can benefit from this program

Eligibility

Women founders aged 18 years and above
Individuals with a business idea, early-stage startup, or growing venture
Founders who can commit to active participation throughout the program
Entrepreneurs building scalable and sustainable businesses

Who is it ideal for

Idea-stage founders looking to validate and structure their venture
Early-stage startups seeking product-market fit and business clarity
Growth-stage ventures aiming to scale operations and expand markets
Founders building in sector-focused or impact-driven areas

Our Incubator Partner

NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore is a leading startup incubator focused on supporting entrepreneurs through multiple stages of venture creation. A sector-agnostic, non-profit incubator, NSRCEL runs several programs supporting:

Women entrepreneurs
Students and first-time founders
Social impact ventures
Emerging sectors such as FinTech, HealthTech, and Sustainability

NSRCEL has incubated 3,100+ startups, which together have created significant economic and social impact, including thousands of jobs and billions in enterprise value. Its focus areas include: FinTech, HealthTech, Consumer ventures, Climate and sustainability, Social and impact enterprises, Supply chain & manufacturing innovation, E-commerce enablement & digital platforms, Indigenous and creative enterprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Women Startup Program by Kotak Mahindra Bank?

The Women Startup Program is a CSR initiative by Kotak Mahindra Bank in partnership with NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore. It supports women entrepreneurs in building and scaling their ventures through structured training, mentorship, and funding support.

Can I re-apply if I have applied before?

Yes. If you have applied earlier, you are encouraged to re-apply with updates on your progress.

Does the program take equity in the startup?

No, the program does not take any equity from participating ventures.

How is the program structured?

The program is designed as a multi-stage journey:

Foundations of Entrepreneurship (training)
Pre-incubation (idea validation and MVP development)
Incubation (product building and growth)
Scale support (for advanced ventures and alumni)

How long does each stage run?

Typical timelines are:

Foundations of Entrepreneurship: ~5 weeks
Pre-incubation: ~2 months
Incubation: ~8 months

What is the overall duration of support?

Support can extend across stages for up to 1–2 years, depending on the startup’s progress.

Is the program online or offline?

The program follows a hybrid model combining virtual learning with cohort-based engagements and ecosystem interactions.

What benefits do participants receive?

Participants gain access to:

Structured entrepreneurship training
One-on-one mentorship from industry experts
Investor and ecosystem connections
Legal and compliance guidance
Networking and peer learning opportunities
Exposure through demo days and showcases

What kind of mentorship is provided?

Mentorship is offered by a wide network of industry leaders, investors, academicians, and experienced entrepreneurs.

Do startups receive funding or grants?

Yes. During the incubation phase, startups can pitch for grants. Selected startups may receive funding support based on eligibility and performance.

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Big dreams deserve a stronger start.